Re: espee hospital dept.
Author: kolrxing
Date: 03-30-2007 - 10:05
I was in the SP hospital on Fell Street in SF a number of times in the early 1960's while visiting a friend. One of the unique features was the stationary plant that furnished steam and power to the hospital. The plant was using a couple of slide valve steam engines to generate power for auxilary use(TV sets, radios, etc.). I was told that the power system was 110 volt DC and that the hospital had to order special televisions to be compatable. The steam plant was kept clean enough to eat off of the terra cotta tile floor and there was a marble switch panel with open busses and meters. The chief engineer allowed me to photograph the equipment. I have no idea how long the steam plant remained in operation(or if it's still there, for that matter).